India’s government has declared intentions to implement a contentious citizenship law criticized for its perceived bias against Muslims.
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) permits non-Muslim minorities from neighboring countries to seek Indian citizenship, ostensibly to aid those facing persecution.
Passed in 2019 amid widespread protests, the law’s rules were finalized recently, according to Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah.
Shah stated on social media that Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled a constitutional promise to protect religious minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
The ministry affirmed that eligible individuals can now apply online for Indian citizenship, with an online portal already established for this purpose.
The ministry clarified that the law aims to assist those persecuted and lacking refuge elsewhere, addressing misconceptions that arose during the delay in implementation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The CAA’s implementation has been a significant electoral promise of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It amends the Indian Citizenship law to grant citizenship to migrants from neighboring countries, with a deadline for arrival set at December 31, 2014.
Despite the absence of a specified implementation date, BJP leaders had hinted at its imminent enforcement before the upcoming elections.
Opposition to the CAA has reignited in certain states, with protests organized in Assam and Kerala. Critics argue that the law violates India’s secular principles and discriminates against Muslims.
Additionally, concerns persist regarding the potential misuse of the CAA alongside a proposed national register of citizens to target Muslims.
The timing of the law’s implementation has drawn criticism from opposition parties, with accusations of political motives ahead of the impending elections.
Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen party, voiced skepticism about the law’s objectives, asserting its discriminatory nature targeting Muslims.
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee of the All India Trinamool Congress and Jairam Ramesh of the Indian National Congress criticized the timing and alleged deceitfulness in the law’s notification process.
Source-BBC
